1. 1280 Grand View Drive, Berkeley, CA 94705 $2,298,000 4 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | 4,975 square feet About a mile to your choice of the Claremont Club and Spa or the Highlands Country Club and within minutes to UC Berkeley and the shopping and dining of Montclair, Rockridge and the Elmwood district is this dramatic 4 BD/3++BA contemporary Mediterranean. A grand staircase connects four levels of entertaining, resting, working, and daily living spaces where no expense was spared in the luxurious finishes at every turn. Natural light washes over much of the interior from French doors that open to a variety of flagstone terraces overlooking the expansive and picturesque property.   2. 178 Hillcrest Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705 $2,200,000 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2,642 square feet Casual yet elegant living awaits you in this exceptional tradition nestled in the heart of the Claremont neighborhood. Enjoy the many fine architectural details such as arched doorways, windows, and built-ins. Greet your guests in the spacious living room with a craftsman-tiled fireplace and connecting sunroom. Enjoy festive gatherings in the light-filled dining room with generous cabinets or share private meals in the cozy breakfast room. Unwind upstairs in the three large bedrooms with wonderful light and space. Explore the lower level with a large bedroom, bath, home office, and separate entrance. Enjoy the large rear decks for impromptu gatherings or relax in the huge rear yard with family and friends. Lovingly maintained for 32 years- it’s time to share the love.   3. 98 The Uplands, Berkeley, CA 94705 $1,995,000 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2,807 square feet Rare Claremont home – 98 The Uplands showcases the grace and refinement of a bygone era. In the same family for over 50 years, this traditional 1908 brown shingle home features a grand viewing terrace and entry portico that opens to a generous foyer. A graceful staircase leads to three airy bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a light-filled sunroom. Downstairs the spacious living room, formal dining room, kitchen with butler’s pantry, a fourth bedroom, and a full bath retain all the elegantly designed original details of the period. High ceilings and large picture windows throughout frame vistas of the hills and historic Claremont Hotel nearby.   4. 836 Spruce St, Berkeley, CA 94707 $1,995,000 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 3,642 square feet Designed by noted architect W.H. Hooper this exceptional Spanish Mediterranean was built in an era where craftsmanship and materials mattered. Sited in the N. Berkeley Hills with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase tremendous SF Bay views. Authentic period details at every arch, curve, and corner, high ceilings, hand-hewn Viga beams, and one-of-a-kind wrought iron work, all blended with masterful modern updates.   The kitchen is replete with a Wolf range, a suite of high-end stainless appliances, marble counters, and is adjacent to the breakfast room housed in the rounded turret. A centerpiece sweeping spiral staircase accented with Spanish tiles leads to three bedrooms and two baths inclusive of a spectacular primary suite again with stunning views. The lower level has an expansive art studio/family room or flex space with recessed lighting and original rustic fir floors.   5. 1110 Parker St, Berkeley, CA 94702 $1,976,000 8 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | 3,392 square feet A beautiful house with a big backyard for future expansion! 2 units. Rare 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with an additional 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit on the second floor with access in the back for rent or extended family. Gourmet chef’s kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, 6 burner gas range, and stainless steel appliances. A large living room can be used as an office. The main unit features 3 big bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor. 3 bedrooms and one bathroom with a shower and double spa tub are on the second floor. Easy walk to the shops and restaurants and convenient to Ashby BART and other transportation options.   6. 1241 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94708 $1,935,000 5 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | 3,764 square feet Here even the trees step aside to let the epic Bay views take command. It is rare to have a grove of redwood and pine trees paired with views and such wonderful light. The house was designed by local architect Claude Stoller using simple lines to enhance its setting and embrace the views and natural landscape. Claude Stoller also utilized passive solar ingenuity. Recent design updates were sensitive to Stoller’s connection to nature.   The entry was dressed elegantly by adding a feature wall of tree motif wallpaper and a branching light fixture. The kitchen backsplash repeats the theme with a marble leaf mosaic and a punch of pear yellow. The master bathroom was reimagined to evoke the zen quality of bamboo. The house is simple and yet grand.   7. 24 Eucalyptus Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705 $1,850,000 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,628 square feet This charming, 4+ bedroom 2 bath, Mediterranean in the coveted Claremont neighborhood of Berkeley offers an easy floor plan with spacious living and dining rooms, a kitchen with ample storage and adjoining cozy breakfast nook, a big rumpus room on the lower level, and a large rear deck with morning sun and expansive views of the Berkeley Hills. A few blocks to College Ave, coffee, shops and restaurants, the Claremont Hotel, Berkeley Tennis Club, and Rockridge BART. Walkscore: 84.   8. 2700 Dana St, Berkeley, CA 94705 $1,795,000 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 3,174 square feet This grand 5 bedroom, 3 bath Edwardian home is an elegant neighborhood standout. Its stately exterior has a beautifully manicured yard and is situated on a fully fenced lot on an entire corner. The home was built in1902 with w/luxurious interiors, high ceilings, classic craftsman woodwork, and generously sized rooms. A handsome foyer flanked by a spacious living room with bay windows.   The formal dining room, w/boxed beams, original built-ins, and brick fireplace. A flex room that can be used as a 6th bedroom, family room, or library. Large kitchen with plenty of cabinets and a large countertop, a full bath, and access to the backyard. Up the staircase to 5 additional bedrooms and 2 full baths off the hallway. At 3,149sf there’s room for everyone.   9. 2330 Vine St, Berkeley, CA 94708 $1,695,000 1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | 1,246 square feet The Marston Studio, built as a dance and theatrical studio, and designed by Eldridge Theodore Ted Spencer is one of the most picturesque cottages in Berkeley. Its exquisite, dramatic architecture has been called Elizabethan, but it feels both medieval and California modern with its wall of intricately leaded glass windows overlooking the formal, enclosed garden/patio. The Great Room’s vaulted beams, loft for musicians, and half-timbered plaster and wood ceiling are truly dramatic.   Over the entrance to the dining room (a slightly raised stage crying for thespians) is a charming, stenciled gable end, lovingly created by Jennette Spencer. The bedroom features a raised fireplace, a window seat framed by leaded glass windows, and other nooks and crannies. An elegant period bathroom was done in black, green, and white tile.   10. 2706 Virginia St, Berkeley, CA 94709 $1,650,000 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 3,150 square feet History, privacy, and the magic of the natural world in the Ellen and Herbert Jenness House. This one-of-a-kind house was owned in the past by many noteworthy artists and academics, including the photographer, Dorothea Lange. Hidden from the street and at the end of a long gravel path, surrounded by majestic Oaks, Liquidambar, and flowering plants of every kind, you are transported to a time when being a few blocks from Campus was akin to living in the countryside.   Massive wood beams, built-in details in every corner, and a charming country kitchen with a vintage stove formerly owned by Alice Waters. Numerous upgrades over the years including a new foundation and roof. Close to the amenities of Gourmet Village, Codornices, the Rose Garden, and Tilden.  

Looking to buy your dream home? Check out our comprehensive guide with 10 tips for a successful home-buying experience. Learn how to determine your budget, research neighborhoods, work with a real estate agent, and more.   Buying a dream home is a big financial decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, it is important to approach the process with a clear strategy and set of priorities.   Here are ten tips to help guide you through the process of buying and getting the keys to your dream home.   1. Determine Your Budget The first step in buying your dream home is to determine your budget. You need to know how much you can afford to spend on a home, taking into account factors such as your income, debts, and expenses. It is important to be realistic and conservative when setting your budget, as you don’t want to end up in a financial bind later on. Consider working with a financial advisor or mortgage broker to help you determine your budget.   2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Once you have determined your budget, the next step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home and will also make you a more attractive buyer to sellers. Make sure to shop around for the best mortgage rates and terms and to compare multiple lenders.   3. Research Neighborhoods Before you start looking for homes, it is important to research neighborhoods that meet your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, amenities, transportation, and safety. Visit neighborhoods in person and talk to residents to get a feel for the community. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on neighborhoods that are a good fit for you.   4. Make a List of Must-Have Features When shopping for a home, it is important to make a list of must-have features that you are looking for. This can include things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a backyard, a garage, or a specific type of architecture. Having a clear list of must-haves will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you are looking at homes that meet your needs.   5. Be Prepared to Compromise While it is important to have a list of must-have features, it is also important to be prepared to compromise. No home is perfect, and you may need to make compromises in order to find a home that meets most of your needs. Consider what features are most important to you and be willing to compromise on less important features.   6. Work with a Real Estate Agent Working with a real estate agent can be incredibly helpful in the home-buying process. An agent can help you navigate the market, negotiate with sellers, and find homes that meet your needs. Consider working with an agent who has experience in the neighborhoods you are interested in and who has a strong track record of success.   7. Get a Home Inspection Before finalizing your purchase, it is important to get a home inspection. This will help identify any issues or repairs that need to be made before you move in. Consider hiring a professional home inspector who can identify any potential issues and provide recommendations for repairs.   8. Factor in Closing Costs When buying a home, it is important to factor in closing costs, which can add up to several thousand dollars. Closing costs include things like attorney fees, title insurance, and appraisal fees. Make sure to budget for these costs and ask your lender for a breakdown of the estimated closing costs.   9. Don’t Rush the Process Buying a home is a big decision and should not be rushed. Take the time to thoroughly research neighborhoods, view homes, and consider your options. Rushing the process can lead to making a hasty decision or overlooking important details.   10. Be Flexible with Timing Finally, be flexible with timing when buying a home. Real estate transactions can be unpredictable, and delays can occur due to a variety of factors. Buying your dream home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and consideration. By following these ten tips, you can make the home-buying process smoother and more successful. Remember to be realistic about your budget, research neighborhoods, and must-have features, work with a real estate agent, and be flexible throughout the process.   With patience, persistence, and a clear plan in place, you can find the perfect home for you and your family. Good luck!   Walk in beauty.

Choosing the right neighborhood is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It sets the foundation for your lifestyle, convenience, and future investment. However, with so many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming.   In this article, we will explore the key factors you will want to evaluate when choosing a neighborhood to help you find the perfect fit for your new home.   1. Safety Safety is a top priority for any homeowner. Research crime rates and talk to local residents to gain insights into the neighborhood’s safety. Look for well-lit streets, active community watch programs, and low crime statistics to ensure peace of mind. Be sure to visit the home you are thinking of buying at all times of day and night to get a true flavor of the neighborhood.   2. Proximity to Amenities Consider the proximity of essential amenities such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, parks, and recreational areas. Access to these amenities can greatly enhance your quality of life and save you time and effort in daily errands. Because, as I like to think about it, it all comes down to the quality of life you want and so this is a super important factor to consider.   3. Quality of Schools If you have or plan to have children, the quality of schools in the area becomes a crucial factor. Research school rankings, visit local schools, and speak with parents to assess the education options available. Even if you don’t have children, a neighborhood with good schools tends to hold its value better over time and have a better return on investment upon selling.   4. Transportation Options Evaluate the transportation infrastructure in the neighborhood. Look for easy access to major highways, public transportation, and proximity to your workplace. Good transportation options can save you commuting time and make your daily routines more convenient.   5. Future Development Consider the future development plans in the neighborhood. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects, commercial developments, or community improvements? These can indicate a growing and vibrant neighborhood, potentially leading to increased property values over time.   6. Lifestyle and Community Explore the community atmosphere and the lifestyle the neighborhood offers. Attend local events, visit nearby shops and restaurants, and interact with residents to get a sense of the community’s character and compatibility with your preferences and interests.   7. Affordability Evaluate the affordability of the neighborhood. Research property prices, rental rates, and overall cost of living. Ensure that the neighborhood aligns with your budget and financial goals, both in terms of purchasing a home and maintaining it in the long run.   In conclusion, choosing the right neighborhood is a critical decision when buying a home. It often takes time to research and explore different neighborhoods to find the perfect place to call home. I always recommend that my clients visit their prospective new neighborhood both during the day to get a feel for the energy and as well as at nighttime to understand all there is to know about the particular neighborhood they are thinking of calling home.   By considering factors such as safety, proximity to amenities, quality of schools, transportation options, future development plans, lifestyle, and affordability, you can make an intelligent and informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.